New to freshwater fishing, need some suggestions!

[miso]

Hi
I live in bergen county, and wanted to try out freshwater fishing on June 16/17 for the free fishing days and pick up the hobby permanently if all goes well. My experience is limited to party boats along the jersey shore where they do everything for you except bait the hook.

I was recommended Hopatcong and Swartswood, Swartswood being a bit too far for me. I wanted to do some shore fishing in lake hopatcong, but the shoreline looks so big from google maps, i don't know where to start. Do i need to rent a boat? or can i fish just fine from the shoreline? I'd prefer not to spend a lot of money renting if this becomes a regular hobby. What time should i go there?

Thanks